Plug Loads

Plug loads refer to energy used by equipment that is plugged into an outlet. In an office, key plug loads include computer and monitors, printers, and copiers. Plug loads can average approximately 30% of electricity use in office settings, much of which can be attributed to parasitic loads.

Life Cycle Cost Savings

Life Cycle Costing (LCC) aims to quantify the financial impact of a product over its entire life cycle to assist consumers in making decisions that will save them money over the long term.

For most applications, energy-efficient vending machines have the lowest life-cycle cost. For example, FEMP has estimated that a typical federal agency purchasing 100 Energy Star-qualified vending machines could save $7,500 in energy costs over the life of the machines, compared to less efficient vending machines. Buying Energy Star "Best Available" machines could save the agency even more: over $10,000.

An efficient product is cost effective when the utility costs saved over the life of the product exceed the additional upfront cost (if any) of the more efficient model. Federal purchasers may assume that Energy Star-qualified products and products meeting FEMP-designated efficiency requirements are life-cycle cost effective. For more information, visit FEMP's product web page.

Guiding Principles

Contributes to meeting The Guiding Principles for High Performance and Sustainable Buildings

Additional Guidance

The Energy Star standard currently excludes combination vending machines (machines with both cold and non-cold food or beverage sections). Larger refreshment centers that include modular refrigerated vending compartments are not eligible for Energy Star. Vending machines that offer the option to lower temperatures below 36 degrees also are not eligible for Energy Star.

Substitutes for ozone-depleting chemicals, as identified under the SNAP program, may be purchased with the product itself or separately. In either case, federal agencies must procure and substitute safe alternatives for ozone-depleting substances to the maximum extent practicable.

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